Cheng Ruzhou looked at them and then at the candy, obediently opening his mouth, “Ah—”

Xiaobao placed the candy in his mouth, “Don’t chew it, just suck on it and it will stay sweet.”

Cheng Ruzhou nodded, “Sweet.”

As he ate, tears began to roll down his cheeks.

Dabao and Xiaobao asked, “It’s so sweet, why are you crying?”

Cheng Ruzhou shook his head, “I don’t know, it’s just so sweet that it made me cry.”

Dabao and Xiaobao exchanged a glance, thinking helplessly:

Wensheng really is simple-minded.

We’ll have to take good care of him in the future.

They led Cheng Ruzhou back to play games with Jiang Lin.

Jiang Lin played a guessing game with them, very simple but enjoyable for the children.

Cheng Ruzhou also played with great enthusiasm.

After a while, it started to get dark, making it hard to see.

Yan Runzhi lit an oil lamp.

The people who came to bid farewell had come and gone, busy with fetching food from the canteen or preparing their own meals.

At this time, Cheng Rushan returned and said to Jiang Lin, “It’s time to go.”

Cheng Yunzhi said goodbye to his closest friends, “If there’s a chance, I’ll write to you.”

“Don’t write, just think of us,” Old Yuan said, eyes reddening, “Old Cheng, once you’re out, don’t worry about us.”

Writing letters might bring unnecessary trouble, especially if another round of political scrutiny occurred.

They had to be cautious.

Cheng Yunzhi didn’t say much more.

After all, he was leaving while his friends remained uncertain about their future, a heavy burden on their hearts.

Cheng Rushan invited his father’s close friends for a meal.

The two roommates and two other friends joined, while others who weren’t as close declined politely, seeing there were already enough people.

Cheng Rushan loaded the small wooden box onto the cart, while Yan Runzhi supported Cheng Yunzhi, who had sore knees.

Cheng Ruzhou immediately supported Jiang Lin, earnestly reminding her, “Mom, be careful of your steps.”

Dabao and Xiaobao: “…”

The little brothers had no choice but to support each other, saying, “Be careful of your steps.”

Watching the two brothers act like adults, the grown-ups couldn’t help but laugh.

The guesthouse wasn’t in the reeducation area at the back but in the cadre area at the front.

It cost one yuan per night, cheaper by twenty cents compared to outside but still considered expensive at the time, so most people couldn’t afford it.

Cheng Rushan booked two rooms, each with a heated kang bed that could sleep several people.

Cheng Rushan and Cheng Yunzhi took Cheng Ruzhou, while Jiang Lin and Yan Runzhi took Dabao and Xiaobao to settle down briefly before Cheng Rushan went to the cafeteria to get food.

Earlier, he had made arrangements with Jing Guangming, not only for the rooms but also for the meals.

He specifically ordered several fish and a small basket of river crabs, along with some seasonal vegetables.

With Yunye Lake nearby, it was easy and inexpensive for them to have fish and crabs.

The cafeteria, although not particularly creative, had decent cooking skills since they regularly prepared meals for leaders.

The meal included Squirrel Fish, Crucian Carp Tofu Soup, Braised Carp, Stewed Silver Carp, and Steamed Crabs with Ginger Vinegar Sauce, accompanied by stir-fried seasonal vegetables.

The table was full of delicious dishes.

Cheng Rushan also bought some wine and poured drinks for everyone, toasting to thank them for taking care of his father over the years.

Old Yuan and Old Chen said humbly, “It’s actually been your father taking care of us more.”

Cheng Yunzhi had been there for a long time and had adapted early on, while Old Yuan and Old Chen, being urban intellectuals who arrived later, struggled emotionally and practically.

Cheng Yunzhi had comforted them during those times.

Cheng Rushan said, “Regardless of who took care of whom, it’s a blessing for you to have each other all these years. I’m grateful to you, uncles, for being there for my father. If you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask. Even if I can’t help, I will do my best.”

He downed his drink in one gulp.

Old Yuan and the others nodded repeatedly, “Rushan, with your words, we feel warmed.”

After a few rounds of drinks, Old Yuan and the others were in tears several times, saying heartfelt words and drinking warmly.

After the meal, Cheng Rushan helped Cheng Yunzhi walk them back.

Returning to the guesthouse room, Cheng Rushan found Jiang Lin coaxing Dabao and Xiaobao to sleep.

Cheng Ruzhou was being a bit troublesome, wanting to sleep with his mother and younger brothers.

Cheng Rushan patted him, “The men will sleep in the other room. Let’s go.”

Cheng Ruzhou reluctantly looked at Jiang Lin.

Jiang Lin waved at him, “Go on now, we’ll play together in the morning.”

Cheng Ruzhou then followed them to the other room.

Yan Runzhi said to Jiang Lin, “Bao’er’s mother, you are truly kind for not minding our situation.”

Jiang Lin noticed Yan Runzhi’s red eyes, knowing she had cried earlier when Old Yuan and the others mentioned past events during the meal.

Softening her tone, she said, “Because you all treat me well, so I treat you well.”

Yan Runzhi brightened up, “I’m going to sleep now.” She lay down, pretending to fall asleep instantly.

Jiang Lin thought, “You’re really overdoing it.”

At that moment, Cheng Rushan came over, whispering, “Let’s go.”

Jiang Lin was puzzled, “Go where?”

He reached out his hand, “To get some good food.”

There had been many people at dinner, and he noticed Jiang Lin didn’t eat much, likely not having enough.

Jiang Lin whispered, “Let’s just sleep.”

Cheng Rushan said, “The night outside is beautiful. Do you really want to sleep and waste it?”

Jiang Lin was about to say she was tired when Cheng Rushan directly picked her up, “Let’s go.”

Jiang Lin quickly glanced at Yan Runzhi, who lay still with her eyes closed, giving the impression she was genuinely asleep and that they didn’t need to mind her.

Cheng Rushan carried Jiang Lin outside.

The night sky was filled with stars, without a moon, and the autumn night wind blew from the lake, cool like water. Jiang Lin couldn’t help but shiver.

His voice was warm and magnetic, “Are you cold?”

Jiang Lin softly said, “Put me down. What if someone sees us?”

Knowing she was shy about this, Cheng Rushan put her down, “With such a beautiful night, let’s go eat fish.”

Jiang Lin was surprised, “Where are we going to eat?”

“Follow me.” He took her hand, walking into the night.

The wind carried a moist, fresh feeling, very pleasant on the skin.

Jiang Lin felt like he was taking her to steal fish, worried they might get caught and sent back.

Cheng Rushan led Jiang Lin out of the compound, greeting the guard at the gate.

The guard, now very respectful towards him, reminded him to be careful and watch out for falling into the water.

After slipping away from the guard’s sight, he held Jiang Lin’s hand again. “If you get tired, I’ll carry you.”

Jiang Lin was already excited. “I’m not tired, let’s go.”

The air was crisp with a mix of moisture and the scent of grass and trees. Stars adorned the sky, seemingly close enough to touch.

Jiang Lin was in a very good mood.

Cheng Rushan led her to the lakeside where ordinary fishermen lived.

They had boats, and some even lived on them.

Cheng Rushan knocked on a fisherman’s door, explained their purpose, and paid to rent a fully equipped small boat with fishing gear.

Jiang Lin eagerly boarded the boat and watched as Cheng Rushan lit a lantern and hung it on the mast at the bow.

She laughed, “Is this little boat safe?” and playfully rocked it.

Cheng Rushan was untying the ropes and approached her, whispering, “As long as you don’t make sudden moves, it won’t capsize.”

Jiang Lin just wanted to fish, but this guy… teasing her!

She glared at him, “Can you swim? If we fall in at this hour, I won’t be able to save you.”

He chuckled softly, “No worries, if we fall, I’ll save you.”

In the dark night, the light enveloped their small space.

He saw her face, clear as jade, eyes like serene water, charming and lovely.

Cheng Rushan’s heart fluttered.

He leaned down and lightly kissed her lips, a fleeting touch, then resumed rowing the boat.

Jiang Lin’s cheeks flushed.

Just as she was about to scold him, he chuckled softly, “That’s my payback.”

With a splash, the oars broke the water’s surface, and the boat drifted away from the shore towards the lake, guided by the lights of the fishermen’s homes, ensuring they wouldn’t get lost on the water.

Strangely, Jiang Lin felt neither nervous nor afraid, as if being with him meant you never had to worry.

He would take care of you, protect you, and not tease you.

She watched Cheng Rushan row the boat, listening to the gentle splashes of water, feeling an itch in her hands. She smiled, “Give me an oar, I want to row too.”

Cheng Rushan replied seriously, “This kind of boat only has two oars. If you row crookedly, we’ll capsize.”

His deadpan response made Jiang Lin believe him more. “Really?”

Cheng Rushan chuckled, “Just kidding, here, you can row.”

He stopped rowing, embraced her from behind, “Let’s row together.”

Late into the night, with a cool breeze, his chest pressed warmly against her back.

His voice mixed with the lake, the tide, the fragrance of flowers and grass, carried a unique charm.

He held her in his arms as they gently rowed the boat, soon drifting away from the shore.

Under the starry sky, the lake darkened, a lone boat, a fisherman’s lantern, and two lovers.

The dim light enveloped them, his embrace in the darkness felt reassuringly solid, giving her a sense of security.

He stopped rowing and let the boat drift on the lake.

He started preparing fishing rods and bait, saying, “I’ll catch fish for you to eat.”

The starlight reflected on the water, creating a serene and endless feeling of unity between sky and water.

Yet, the deep darkness made her uneasy. Jiang Lin leaned over and stirred the water, which was still warm.

Passing through the lotus area, she could smell the sweet fragrance. She casually picked a few large lotus leaves.

Cheng Rushan said, “Oops, we shouldn’t go into the lotus area. We might get lost and won’t catch any fish.” He chuckled and rowed the boat towards a more open part of the lake.

Once they found a good spot and settled down quietly, he soon caught a large crucian carp.

Jiang Lin exclaimed, “It’s so big! Must be five or six pounds. How should we cook it?”

Cheng Rushan replied, “We’ll eat it right here.”

“Here?” Jiang Lin looked at him in confusion. The light from the lanterns, stars, and water reflected in his eyes, making them as deep as the lake and causing her to feel a bit flustered.

Cheng Rushan said, “I’ll handle it.”

He pulled out a basin, a small knife, and even a small charcoal stove from the boat’s cabin used by fishermen for cooking or heating wine.

Efficiently, he cleaned and filleted the fish, cut it into large pieces, roughly rubbed it with salt and spices, and set it aside.

He then lit the charcoal stove and began grilling the fish on an iron skewer.

The fishermen’s boats were well-equipped, as they often grilled fish here to satisfy their hunger.

Soon, the aroma of grilled fish wafted around them.

With just a sprinkle of salt, the fish tasted exceptionally fresh and delicious.

He handed Jiang Lin a piece, which she held with a lotus leaf, blowing on it and relishing the delicious flavor.

“Haha, let’s sneakily eat this without telling Da Bao and Xiao Bao. It’s especially delicious!” she exclaimed joyfully.

The grilled fish was indeed delicious, with no fishy taste, only freshness and a delightful charred aroma—it was incredibly tasty.

Cheng Rushan smiled and handed her another piece, watching her eat.

Jiang Lin said, “You should eat too.”

“I’m not hungry yet,” she said.

The fish was so big that Jiang Lin ate more than half of it herself. She was surprised as she rubbed her belly, amazed at how much she could eat!

After she stopped, Cheng Rushan finished the rest.

Once he was done, he pulled out a small jar of sorghum wine, uncorked it, and took a big swig, releasing a spicy aroma.

He took another sip and looked at Jiang Lin, silently asking if she wanted some.

Jiang Lin shook her head and smiled, “I think I’ll pass.”

Cheng Rushan held the small jar and leaned towards her. Jiang Lin leaned back, but he pursued, stopping just short of her lips. If she continued to evade, he wouldn’t chase further.

But Jiang Lin didn’t evade.

He gently held the back of her head and kissed her lips earnestly and tenderly.

It was a passionate and lingering kiss. As the moon rose from the east, its bright light shimmered on the lake, blending with the moonlight and the shimmering water, creating an intimate atmosphere.

Jiang Lin felt intoxicated, perhaps from the strong wine he had given her, his warm body temperature, or his intense kiss. In any case, she felt a bit dizzy.

The starlight, moonlight, lake reflection, his clear eyes, the fragrance of flowers, fish, and wine that night—all of it would forever remain in her memory.

…

The next day, Cheng Rushan and Jiang Lin took the children to pay respects to Cheng Rongzhi.

They planned to bring his ashes back when they had the chance.

Upon returning, Cheng Rushan bought river crabs, large fish, various dried fish, smoked fish, salted fish, along with duck eggs, cured duck, and a carrying pole and basket.

As they left, the farm sent a car to take them to the crossroads.

They hitchhiked, took the train, and then caught a ride back home, arriving in the village as the sun set.

Cheng Ruhai was anxiously waiting these past few days.

No longer the head of the production team, he couldn’t help but check the courtyard and wait at the village entrance, afraid of missing his father’s return.

With his actions, many in the village now knew that Cheng Rushan was bringing back Cheng Yunzhi.

Before liberation, they used to call him “Old Master Cheng” or “Master Cheng.”

Even after all these years, some of the older folks still thought of him this way.

Unable to resist, many peeked or waited by the roadside, curious to see Cheng Yunzhi.

It had been so many years—what did the once gentle and handsome Second Master look like now?

Would he forgive them if they apologized sincerely?

Upon hearing this, Madam Shang rushed over and scolded them, “Are you all out of your minds? He’s finally been exonerated, and here you are poking around, calling him ‘Second Master.’ Are you upset he didn’t die?”

Shamed by her words, the people slunk away, quickly changing how they addressed him, following the village hierarchy or simply by age.

After all, their family was no longer the head of Shuihuai Village.

As the sun set and night fell, the villagers saw a group of people coming down the road.

Leading them was Cheng Rushan, carrying a load on his back—a handsome son and plenty of fish and meat!

Jiang Zhiqing was beside him, with a beautiful and tall man who smiled like a child.

Who could this be?